As Queen Consort and (after 1660) Dowager Queen, Hedwig Eleonora held a unique position of influence and wealth in Sweden for more than half a century. Her dynastic network was far-reaching, and included many Northern European courts. She left a strong imprint on Swedish court culture, and was the dominant collector and patron of art and architecture in the realm at the time. The political activities of Hedwig Eleonora are more elusive, but it is clear that her patronage and cultural activities were also means to her political and dynastic ends. Scholars are becoming increasingly aware of her importance, and she also provides an eminently suitable field for research on topics such as cultural exchange in the Baltic area, queenship and the Northern European courts in general.

Through the symposium The Queen Emerges we aim to bring together scholars from many disciplines, with an interest in subjects that are relevant to the study of Hedwig Eleonora and baroque court culture in the Baltic region. Possible topics for papers might be perceptions of the queen as politician or patron, theological and religious aspects of court culture, communicative strategies, literature, theatre and music, cultural and economic exchange, the role of nature, scientific interests and activities, flora and fauna, trade, donations, patronage and gift-giving, as well as discussions on specific individuals, texts or artifacts. Though the focus is on Hedwig Eleonora, papers on comparative or parallel topics will also be considered.

The conference is organised in panels, all intended to be multidisciplinary. For the 2nd and 3rd days of the conference, we invite papers limited to20 minutes. On the last day, the panels will be held at Drottningholm Palace and Gripsholm Castle. Of Hedwig Eleonora’s many residences, these two still contain well-preserved interiors and works of art from her collections. During the panels we will be moving through these settings for her patronage, collecting and court life as we discuss aspects of their design, display and function. For these panels, we invite contributions of about 10 minutes, focused on objects on display, architectural features or other aspects of the buildings, their surroundings and their interiors.

Submission Deadline 6 January 2012

Please send an abstract for your suggested paper (250 words) and a cv (250 words) to merit.laine@royalcourt.se

The symposium language is English